Cherry Times is pleased to publish an excerpt of the reports presented at the International Congress "What biosolutions for quality cherries?" at Macfrut 2024.
Serenade Aso, based on Bacillus subtilis, is the fungicide that Bayer proposes for the control of moniliosis and bacteriosis of cherry and other fruit and vegetable crops.
Serenade Aso has a unique mechanism of action: it prevents fungal and bacterial diseases by acting directly on pathogens. The spores of Serenade Aso compete for space and nutrients, limiting the development of diseases, and interacting with the plant, they induce systemic defense reactions and promote physiology.
Lipopeptides and antibacterial compounds typical of the strain break down the cell wall of fungi and bacteria, causing their death and preventing contamination.
The formulation is based on the quality of the production process for which Bayer boasts unique expertise: during the controlled fermentation phase, Bacillus subtilis QST713 produces a series of natural compounds with specific activities on pathogens and plant defense: Lipopeptides, responsible for the fungicidal action, naturally develop during fermentation and are able to promote plant growth and activate its defenses.
Serenade Aso performs its fungicidal and bactericidal function best when applied in preventive treatments. On cherry and all stone fruit trees, it is applied foliarly at a dose of 4-8 L/ha for a maximum of 6 treatments per year, depending on the disease pressure.
Applications starting from the pre-flowering phase: Serenade Aso helps prevent bacteriosis caused by Xanthomonas sp, with recognized collateral activity against Pseudomonas syringae var syringae.
Applications from flowering to pre-harvest: Serenade Aso helps control monilia attacks in the phases when stone fruits are most susceptible to attack: flowering and pre-harvest. In an integrated defense strategy, applied pre-harvest, Serenade Aso has shown good disease containment, allowing for a reduction in residues on the fruits.
Serenade Aso is permitted in organic farming, and is also the ideal product to be included in integrated pest management programs or with the aim of reducing residues at harvest.
To download the PDF of the presentation click here
Silvano Locardi
Grower & Channel Manager Bayer Crop Science
19 May 2025
The Verona Hills Cherry launches the 2025 season with a high-quality production. Coldiretti confirms size standards, pushes for Igp recognition, and calls for fair import rules. Local cherry farming still faces important structural and climate-related challenges.
12 May 2026
In Romania, the first cherries of the season reach shelves at 80 to 100 RON/kg, while Portugal, Spain and Greece offer far more competitive prices. Consumers are waiting for June, when local cherries may increase supply and ease market pressure.
11 Aug 2026
Thermosonication improves postharvest storage of sweet cherries by reducing decay, weight loss and oxidation. The treatment preserves firmness, vitamin C and flavonoids, while strengthening antioxidant defenses and maintaining fruit quality for 12 days at 4 °C.
11 Aug 2026
The Jerte Cherry PDO closes a very positive season, with 5 million kg of cherries and 2.5 million kg of certified picota. High quality, new varieties and strong European sales reinforce the value and identity of the local cherry supply chain, protected by the Jerte PDO.
